4 IT contracts that defined 2017

4 IT contracts that defined 2017

Share

The federal government’s move to upgrade its outdated IT infrastructure ramped up in 2017 with a series of blockbuster contracts.

From the massive telecommunications upgrades anticipated with the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract to the new version of the General Services Administration’s Alliant IT vehicle, the trend in acquisition has shifted toward standardized technology and stronger cybersecurity.

Here’s a look at the IT contracts that made the biggest splashes in 2017:

EIS

Cost: $50 billion over 15 years (five-year base period with two five-year options)

“I anticipate EIS having a major impact on modernization,” said Deniece Peterson, director of federal market analysis at Deltek. “Even without the preference for it noted in the modernization guidance, the upcoming migration from Networx to EIS is a natural trigger point for agencies to identify potential areas to modernize and/or migrate to shared services during the transition. EIS provides the cloud and cybersecurity solutions that are key to modernization efforts.”

Alliant 2

Cost: $50 billion over 10 years (five-year base period with a five-year option)

Awardees: 61

Services: IT supply and services

The year also saw an update to GSA’s massive, 10-year IT contract Alliant. With modernization efforts growing, the vehicle figures to be a prime driver of how agencies will pursue new IT procurements.

“While there is a list of services and capabilities that we believe are very future-leaning, we really did spend a lot of time in looking at leading-edge technology,” he said. “That said, we do have the ability to onboard new companies and new technologies based on the demand in the marketplace as well.”

While the contract is still being negotiated, estimates have put its price tag at $10 billion. But given that, according to a Government Accountability Office report, the agency spent $1.1 billion on two previous EHR systems with the goal of seamless veteran care, the impact of this contract could be lasting.

Social Security Administration’s IT services contract

Cost: $7.8 billion over 10 years (Two-year base period with four two-year options)

Awardees: 3

Services: IT services, Benefits processing

With the SSA processing the benefits of an estimated 70 million people over the next decade, agency officials decided to pursue modernization efforts for its IT services.